US7606682B2 - Oilfield equipment identification method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In combination, an identifier assembly is mounted to a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular. The identifier assembly is provided with a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein, and means for mounting the radio-frequency-identification tag to the tubular such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/435,170, filed on May 16, 2006;now U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,205 which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/269,465, filed on Nov. 8, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,062,413; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/634,061, filed on Aug. 4, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,416; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/261,551, filed on Sep. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,063; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/994,304, filed on Nov. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,811; which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/252,045, filed on Feb. 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,292. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,062,413, 6,973,416, 6,604,063, 6,480,811 and 6,347,292 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The exploration, development and completion of an oil or gas field requires numerous pieces of oilfield equipment, such as but not limited to casing, drill pipe, packers, oilfield valves and other equipment. The cost of this equipment is relatively high. Accordingly, it is desirable to optimally use and/or reuse many pieces of oilfield equipment for subsequent drilling and development operations. However, equipment undergoes considerable stress during drilling and completion operations. For example, pieces of oilfield equipment, such as drill pipe, may suffer from material fatigue which may ultimately result in failure of the drill pipe. The failure of downhole equipment will require a suspension of drilling operations to recover the remainder of the drill string and other related equipment. It will be appreciated that the recovery of a drill string can be an expensive and time-consuming operation, which should be avoided, if possible. Accordingly, it is desirable to maintain complete service records relating to various pieces of oilfield equipment, such as, but not limited to, drill pipe, for the purposes of determining fatigue and other factors relating to the use of the equipment. By maintaining an accurate, detailed record of the use, inspections, repair and maintenance for each piece of oilfield equipment, the fatigue and other factors relating to the use of the piece of oilfield equipment can be monitored. Thus, the piece of oilfield equipment can be taken out of use before such piece of oilfield equipment fails.

It is to such a method and apparatus for accurately maintaining service records for various pieces of oilfield equipment that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus for tracking selected parameters for each of a plurality of pieces of oilfield equipment adapted to be inserted into a drill string supported by a drilling rig. The drilling rig supports a drilling device, which selectively rotates the drill string, or a drill bit connected to the drill string. The apparatus comprises a computer loaded with an oilfield equipment database. A reader is provided for inputting into the computer a unique identification code for each piece of oilfield equipment added to the drill string so as to build a grid including a reference to each piece of oilfield equipment in the drill string.

The computer further includes a pipe utilization and identification program and associated hardware for continuously and automatically monitoring the location in the drill string of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid and the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid so as to provide an accurate representation of the historical data for the user to calculate the fatigue of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid.

Real time reports can be generated from the pipe utilization and identification program at any time by actuating a string report function so that rig personnel can monitor the usage of each piece in the drill string and take appropriate corrective action before a costly unexpected event occurs. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the automatic updating of the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage provides an accurate record of the rotating and non-rotating hours of each piece, thereby substantially reducing the number of costly inspections needed for determining the level of fatigue of each piece.

In other embodiments, various assemblies are provided to enhance the reliability of the pipe utilization and identification program. For example, in one embodiment, the oilfield equipment identifying apparatus includes a fixed mount reader. The fixed mount reader is mounted on the rig floor in a fixed position so that it is possible for the fixed mount reader to read an identification tag included in an identifier assembly mounted onto respective pieces of oilfield equipment without any manual intervention. Thus, the fixed mount reader makes the reading of the identification assemblies more reliable and safe.

In addition, various mounting assemblies for efficiently, reliably and inexpensively attaching the identification assemblies to the pieces of oilfield equipment are disclosed.

Other advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the attached drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an identifier assembly that is utilized in the oilfield equipment identifying apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a piece of oilfield equipment, taken along lines3-3 ofFIG. 4, illustrating a system for mounting the identifier assembly shown inFIG. 2 into a piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the piece of oilfield equipment having the identifier assembly recessed therein.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view depicting another system for securely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention onto the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of yet another system for securely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention onto the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of still another system for securely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention onto the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of an identifier assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, which is securely mounted on an exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the identifier assembly and the piece of oilfield equipment, taken along the lines9-9 inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the identifier assembly and the piece of oilfield equipment, taken along the lines10-10 inFIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is front elevational view of a typical screen on a monitor of a central computer when the central computer is running a pipe utilization and identification program constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a fixed mount reader constructed in accordance with the present invention wherein the fixed mount reader is mounted onto an apparatus for turning the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the fixed mount reader depicted inFIG. 13 wherein the fixed mount reader is positioned to read the identifier assembly mounted onto the piece of oilfield equipment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the fixed mount reader depicted inFIG. 13 wherein the piece of oilfield equipment is being positioned against the fixed mount reader.

FIG. 16 is a side-elevational, partial cross-sectional view of the fixed mount reader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular toFIG. 1, shown therein and designated by thegeneral reference numeral10 is an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention. The oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus10 includes a plurality ofidentifier assemblies12 which are mounted onrespective pieces14 of oilfield equipment. Thepieces14 of oilfield equipment can be casing, drill pipe, packers, or the like. The respective identifier assemblies12 andpieces14 of oilfield equipment are designated inFIG. 1 by thereference numerals12aand12b, and14aand14b, for purposes of clarity.

Each of theidentifier assemblies12 is capable of transmitting a unique identification code for eachpiece14 of oilfield equipment. Thus, theidentifier assembly12aincludes a unique identification code to uniquely identify thepiece14aof oilfield equipment, and theidentifier assembly12bincludes a unique identification code to uniquely identify the piece14bof oilfield equipment.

As previously stated, the oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus10 includes a plurality ofidentifier assemblies12. For purposes of clarity, however, only onesuch identifier assembly12 will be described hereinafter, it being understood that each of the identifier assemblies contained in each oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus10 is substantially identical in its construction and arrangement of parts and function.

Still with reference toFIG. 1, the oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus10 also includes areader18. Thereader18 is capable of reading each of theidentifier assemblies12 in the plurality of identifier assemblies. Thereader18 includes a hand-heldwand20 which communicates with aportable computer22 via asignal path24. In one embodiment, eachidentifier assembly12 includes a passive circuit as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. When eachidentifier assembly12 includes a passive circuit, thereader18 can be constructed and operated in a manner as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128.

In use, thewand20 of thereader18 is positioned near a particular one of theidentifier assemblies12 located on thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. The unique identification code is transmitted from theidentifier assembly12 to thewand20 via a signal path26. Signal path26 can be an airwave communication system. Upon receipt of the unique identification code, thewand20 transmits such unique identification code to theportable computer22 via thesignal path24. Theportable computer22 receives the unique identification code transmitted by thewand20 and then decodes such unique identification code. The identification code identifying a particular one of theidentifier assemblies12 is then transmitted to acentral computer32 via asignal path34. Thesignal path34 can be cable or airwave transmission systems.

The information transmitted to thecentral computer32 from theportable computer22 can either be done in real time, whereby each unique identification code received by thewand20 is immediately transmitted to thecentral computer32, or in batch mode, wherein each unique identification code is not transmitted to thecentral computer32 until after a number ofidentifier assemblies12 have been scanned by thewand20. Further, the decoded output from theportable computer22 may be directly displayed on theportable computer22 for verification purposes.

Referring now toFIG. 2, shown is a perspective, exploded view of one of theidentifier assemblies12. For purposes of clarity, theidentifier assembly12 is shown inFIG. 3 in an assembled condition. Theidentifier assembly12 includes acup member36, anidentification tag38, and alid40. Thecup member36 andlid40 may be constructed of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic or other durable, electrically isolating materials, so as to isolate theidentification tag38 from thepiece14 of oil field equipment. Theidentification tag38 can be a passive circuit identification tag obtainable from Motorola or Texas Instruments, for example. In general, theidentification tag38 has stored therein a unique identification code. The construction and function of theidentification tag38 is discussed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, referred to previously, the disclosure of which has been expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In general, thecup member36 includes a bottom42 and a substantiallycontinuous sidewall44, extending from the bottom42 so as to define acavity46. The bottom42 and thesidewall44 are sized and adapted so that theidentification tag38 and thelid40 can be disposed in thecavity46.

Once theidentification tag38 and thelid40 are disposed within thecavity46 of thecup member36, thecup member36 and thelid40 protect theidentification tag38 from taking any direct hits from rigid materials. The interior surface of thesidewall44 is substantially smooth so that theidentification tag38 and thelid40 can be disposed directly in thecavity46 without any twisting or other manipulation of theidentification tag38 andlid40. In addition, thelid40 and theidentification tag38 are sized so as to have a loose fit within thecavity46. As a result, theidentification tag38 is not sealed within thecup member36. Thus, fluids, very small materials, and gases can pass around thelid40 to engage theidentification tag38 when theidentification tag38 and thelid40 are disposed within thecavity46 of thecup member36.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, respective alignedopenings48,50 and52 are formed through the bottom42, theidentification tag38, and thelid40. The alignedopenings48,50 and52 are sized to receive a removable retainer, such as a screw, therethrough, if desired. It should be noted that in some embodiments, theidentification tag38 may not have theopening50 formed therethrough.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, one method of installing theidentifier assembly12 into one of thepieces14 of oilfield equipment (depicted for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation as a tool joint pin connection of a section of drill pipe) is shown. Ahole56 is drilled or milled into thepiece14 of oilfield equipment to provide for the mounting therein of theidentifier assembly12. Thehole56 has a predetermined depth so that theidentifier assembly12 can be disposed in thehole56 below amaximum wear diameter57 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. Once theidentifier assembly12 is disposed in thehole56, theidentifier assembly12 is maintained in thehole56 by a suitable retainer, such as afriction grip retainer58, which is pressed into thehole56. Theopenings48 and52 formed through the bottom42 and thelid40 serve to relieve pressure behind theidentifier assembly12 so that such pressure does not build up behind theidentifier assembly12 and push theidentifier assembly12 out of thehole56 formed in thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. More specifically, theopenings48 and52 serve to relieve pressure from behind the bottom42 of thecup member36. As shown inFIG. 4, thefriction grip retainer58 includes a ring-shapedsupport portion60 and a plurality oflugs62 extending therefrom. Only two of thelugs62 have been numbered inFIG. 4 for purposes of clarity. Thelugs62 of thefriction grip retainer58 are sized such that thelugs62 frictionally engage thepiece14 of oilfield equipment when thefriction grip retainer58 is being pressed into thehole56 to prevent the inadvertent removal of theidentifier assembly12 and theretainer58 from thehole56.

The before-mentioned method of mounting theidentifier assemblies12 on thepieces14 of oilfield equipment, whereby theidentifier assemblies12 are recessed in thepieces14 of oilfield equipment, is especially useful in applications where it is likely that theidentifier assembly12 could be wiped off theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. However, in certain instances, such as when thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is a pump, a valve, an engine or other piece of oilfield equipment where the likelihood of theidentifier assembly12 being wiped off theexterior surface66 is decreased, it has been found to be more economical to mount theidentifier assembly12 to theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment.

Referring now toFIGS. 5,6 and7, three systems for mounting theidentification assembly12 to theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment are disclosed. As shown inFIG. 5, anopening68 is formed through theexterior surface66 of thepiece14. Theopening68 has a threadedinterior surface70. The bottom42 of thecup member36 is disposed adjacent theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment such that theopenings48,50 and52 are aligned with theopening68 formed in thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. Theidentifier assembly12 is held in this position while a threadedmember72, such as a screw, is disposed through the alignedopenings48,50,52 and68. The threadedmember72 is then rotated so as to threadingly engage the threadedinterior surface70 of theopening68 to rigidly maintain theidentifier assembly12 on thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. In this position, theidentification tag38 is compressed between thelid40 and the bottom42 of thecup member36 by the threadedmember72.

Referring now toFIG. 6, yet another system for mounting theidentifier assembly12 to theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is shown. In this embodiment, a first bonding material74, such as an epoxy, is disposed between theexterior surface66 and the bottom42 of thecup member36 so as to bondingly connect the bottom42 of thecup member36 to theexterior surface66. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, asecond bonding material76, such as a layer of epoxy, is disposed between thelid40 and thecup member36 so as to bondingly connect thelid40 to thecup member36, thereby retaining theidentification tag38 within thecup member36.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a third embodiment of a system for securing theidentifier assembly12 to theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is shown. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, aflexible retainer80, such as a strap, string or a wire, is disposed about theexterior surface66 and threaded through a pair of alignedslots81aand81bformed through thecup member36 of theidentifier assembly12. Theflexible retainer80 extends across thelid40 so as to retain thelid40 within thecavity46 of thecup member36. To retain theidentifier assembly12 on thepiece14 of oilfield equipment, the ends of theflexible retainer80 can be secured together by any suitable connector means so as to tightly dispose theflexible retainer80 about theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment.

Shown inFIGS. 8,9 and10, and designated by thegeneral reference numeral90, is another embodiment of an identifier assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention. Theidentifier assembly90 is substantially identical in function to theidentifier assembly12, except that theidentifier assembly90 has been adapted and constructed to be resiliently and removably disposed about theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment for use in situations where it may be likely that the mounting systems depicted inFIGS. 5-7 for theidentifier assembly12 could be wiped off theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment or thepiece14 is a shoulderless drill pipe.

InFIGS. 8,9 and10, thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is depicted for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation as a tool joint pin connection of a section of drill pipe. In general, theidentifier assembly90 is shaped to matingly conform to theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. In one embodiment, theidentifier assembly90 includes a first member92 (FIGS. 9 and 10) and asecond member94. Thefirst member92 includes a layer ofresilient material92asupported on an underlying frame member92b. Thesecond member94 includes a layer ofresilient material94asupported on anunderlying frame member94b. Thefirst member92, and thesecond member94 are shaped so as to matingly conform about theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment, as shown inFIGS. 8-10. The layers ofresilient materials92aand94aincluded in the first andsecond members92 and94 can be constructed of a material which is substantially impervious to hydrocarbons or oilfield chemicals, such as molded or vulcanized rubber. Theframe members92band94bincluded in the first andsecond members92 and94 can be constructed of a strong, durable material which is substantially impervious to hydrocarbons or oilfield chemicals, such as stainless steel.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, thefirst member92 has afirst end96 and asecond end98, and thesecond member94 has afirst end100 and asecond end102. Thefirst end96 of thefirst member92 is disposed substantially adjacent thefirst end100 of thesecond member94. In this position, thefirst end96 of thefirst member92 is connected, either removably or permanently, to thefirst end100 of thesecond member94 via anysuitable retainer104, such as a pair of screws (shown) or a hinge. Thesecond end98 of thefirst member92 is disposed substantially adjacent thesecond end102 of thesecond member94. In this position, thesecond end98 of thefirst member92 and thesecond end102 of thesecond member94 are removably connected via any suitable retainer, such as a pair ofscrews106. To prevent theidentifier assembly90 from rotating about theexterior surface66, anopening108 can be provided through thefirst member92 so that a corresponding retainer, such as ascrew110, can be disposed in theopening108 and tightened against theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. As best shown inFIG. 8, thesecond member94 has afirst side112 and asecond side114. To securely maintain theidentification tag38 on thepiece14 of oilfield equipment, aslot116 is formed through thefirst side112 such that theslot116 extends a distance toward thesecond side114. Theslot116 is sized and dimensioned to receive theidentification tag38 therein. To maintain theidentification tag38 securely within theslot116, anopening118, which communicates with theslot116, is formed through thesecond member94. In use, theidentification tag38 is placed in theslot116 such that theopening50 formed through theidentification tag38 is aligned with theopening118 formed through thesecond member94. In this position, a retainer, such as ascrew120, is disposed through theopenings118 and50 formed through thesecond member94 and theidentification tag38, such that thescrew120 securely retains theidentification tag38 within theslot116.

Thus, it can be seen that theidentifier assembly90 provides a relatively inexpensive, secure method for removably mounting theidentification tag38 on theexterior surface66 of thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. The layer ofresilient material94aof thesecond member94 is constructed of an electrical insulating material, so as to isolate theidentification tag38 from thepiece14 of oilfield equipment. Any of thescrews104,106, and120 can be used in combination with an appropriate lock washer (not shown) so as to more securely maintainsuch screws104,106, and120 in their respective openings.

Referring now toFIG. 11, shown therein and designated by thegeneral reference numeral150 is a second embodiment of an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention. The oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus150 includes a plurality of theidentifier assemblies12 and/or90 which are mounted onrespective pieces14 of oilfield equipment as described above. The oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus150 includes areader152, which communicates with thecentral computer32.

Thecentral computer32 contains an oilfield equipment database which functions the same as the oilfield equipment database set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, which disclosure has been incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the oilfield equipment database contained in thecentral computer32 is provided with additional functionality, as will be described hereinafter. The oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus150 has been constructed and adapted to be utilized in reading theidentifier assemblies12 onvarious pieces14 of oilfield equipment located on therig floor151 of an oil drilling rig.

Thereader152 includes a hand-heldwand156. The hand-heldwand156 is constructed in a similar manner as the hand-heldwand20, which was described hereinbefore with reference toFIG. 1. Thewand156 is generally adapted to be carried by an individual working on therig floor151 so that the individual can position the hand-heldwand156 nearvarious identifier assemblies12 and download the unique identification code stored in theidentifier assemblies12 so that thevarious pieces14 of oilfield equipment can be identified. The hand-heldwand156 is attached to astorage box158 via asignal path160, which is typically a cable having a length of about forty feet, for example.Storage box158 is positioned on therig floor151 and serves as a receptacle to receive the hand-heldwand156 and thesignal path160 when the hand-heldwand156 is not in use.

Anelectronic conversion package162 communicates with a connector on thestorage box158 viasignal path164, which may be an airway or a cable communication system so that theelectronic conversion package162 receives the signals indicative of the identification code stored in theidentifier assemblies12, which is read by the hand-heldwand156. In response to receiving such signal, theelectronic conversion package162 converts the signal into a format which can be communicated an appreciable distance therefrom. For example, theelectronic conversion package162 may convert the signal received from the hand-heldwand156 into or from RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or RS-530 format. The converted signal is then output by theelectronic conversion package162 to aprofibuss166 via asignal path168. Theprofibuss166, which is connected to the drilling rig local area network and/or the programmable logic controller (not shown) in a well-known manner, receives the converted signal output by theelectronic conversion package162.

Thecentral computer32 includes aninterface unit170. Theinterface170 communicates with thecentral computer32 via asignal path172, which may be an RS-232 communication port, or other serial device, or a parallel port. Theinterface unit170 may also communicates with theprofibuss166 via asignal path173. Theinterface unit170 receives the signal, which is indicative of the unique identification codes read by the hand-heldwand156, from theprofibuss166, and a signal from adrilling monitoring device174 via asignal path176. Thedrilling monitoring device174 communicates with at least a portion of adrilling device178 via asignal path179. Thedrilling device178 can be supported by therig floor151, or by the drilling rig. Thedrilling device178 can be any drilling device which is utilized to turnpieces14 of oilfield equipment, such as drill pipe or a drill bit to drill a well bore. For example, but not by way of limitation, thedrilling device178 can be a rotary table supported by therig floor151, or a top mounted drive supported by the drilling rig, or a downhole mud motor suspended by the drill string and supported by the drilling rig.

Thedrilling monitoring device174 monitors thedrilling device178 so as to determine when thepiece14 orpieces14 of oilfield equipment in the drill string are in a rotating condition or a non-rotating condition. Thedrilling monitoring device174 outputs a signal to theinterface unit170 via thesignal path176, the signal being indicative of whether the piece(s)14 of oilfield equipment are in the rotating or the non-rotating condition. As will be explained hereinafter, thecentral computer32 is loaded with a pipe utilization and identification program in its oilfield equipment database which receives and automatically utilizes the signal received by theinterface unit170 from thesignal path176 to monitor, on an individualized basis, the rotating and non-rotating hours of eachpiece14 of oilfield equipment in the drill string. In one embodiment, thedrilling monitoring device174 is a tachometer communicating with thedrilling device178.

For example, when thedrilling device178 is the downhole mud motor (which selectively rotates the drill string's drill bit while the drill string's pipe remains stationary), thecentral computer32 logs the non-rotating usage of eachpiece14 of the drill string's pipe. In the case where thedrilling device178 is the downhole mud motor, thecentral computer32 has stored therein a reference indicating that thedrilling device178 is the downhole mud motor so that thecentral computer32 can accurately log the non-rotating usage of eachpiece14 of oilfield equipment included in the drill string that suspends thedrilling device178.

Shown inFIG. 12 is atypical screen182 on amonitor184 of thecentral computer32, when thecentral computer32 is running the pipe utilization and identification program included in the oilfield equipment database. Thescreen182 includes agrid186 for organizing the information displayed by the pipe utilization and identification program on thescreen182. Thegrid186 is comprised of a plurality of columns of data and the data is descriptive of particular features of eachpiece14 of oilfield equipment included in a drill string. The data columns may be, but are not limited to, a position in thedrill string column188, a uniqueidentification code column190, aserial number column192, adescription column194, astrap length column196, anowner column198, arotating hour column200, anon-rotating hour column202, and a total footage drilledcolumn204.

Thescreen182 also displays three fields, designated inFIG. 12 as a “Tube”field206, a “BHA”field208, and a “Total”field210. TheTube field206 displays the length of the pipe that is currently being used in the drill string for drilling the oil well. TheBHA field208 displays the length of the bottom hole assembly that is currently being utilized in the drill string. TheTotal field210 displays the sum of the lengths of the tube assembly and the bottom hole assembly.

Thescreen182 is provided with atrip function212, which is used when allpieces14 of oilfield equipment are pulled out of the hole, or a bit orother piece14 of oilfield equipment is changed. Thetrip function212 will update the total footage of each joint of pipe in the drill string as far as total footage is concerned. When one of thepieces14 of oilfield equipment, such as a joint of pipe, is scanned by thewand156, such piece is added to the top of the drill string, the length of thatpiece14 is added to the previous amount of footage in the drill string and displayed in thetotal footage column204.

The pipe utilization and identification program is also provided with aTD function214, as indicated on thescreen182. When actuated, theTD function214 will clear thegrid186 and store the data in a historical database for future reference. TheTD function214 must be error protected with an <ARE YOU SURE?> function to stop inadvertent erasure of thegrid186.

The pipe utilization and identification program also includes a “remove function”216, which permits an individual to remove the indication in the database of one of thepieces14 of oilfield equipment in any position in the drill string by merely highlighting thepiece14 and actuating the “remove function”216. When thepiece14 is removed, a record is added to the historical database to indicate where thepiece14 was in the drill string, and when thepiece14 was removed from the drill string.

The pipe utilization and identification program is also provided with an “add function”218, to permit an individual to add a new record indicative of the historical information of a particular one of thepieces14 of oilfield equipment, when apiece14 is added to the top of the drill string while drilling. If theidentifier assembly12 on thepiece14 is scanned from therig floor151, thepiece14 will go directly to the top of the drill string, and a reference in the pipe utilization and identification program will be created in thegrid186 to indicate thatsuch piece14 has been added to the drill string. Historical (or cumulative) information regardingsuch piece14 will be retrieved from the historical database and added to thegrid186 so that cumulative data for thepiece14 is monitored.

The pipe utilization and identification program also includes a “replace function”220, which is used when aspecific piece14 of oilfield equipment is to be replaced in the drill string. Theidentification assembly12 on thepiece14 can be scanned with thewand156 from therig floor151, thereby automatically highlighting thepiece14 on the screen182 (by the pipe utilization and identification program matching the identification code stored in thecolumn190 with the scanned identification code). Alternatively, thepiece14 to be replaced can be highlighted manually via a mouse (not shown) connected to thecentral computer32. The “replace function”220 is then actuated and thenew piece14 is added to thegrid186 of the pipe utilization and identification program in a similar manner as described above with reference to the “add function”218. Information about the removedpiece14 is then recorded in the historical database.

The pipe utilization and identification program is also provided with a bottomhole assembly function222. The bottomhole assembly function222, when actuated, displays only thepieces14 that are in the bottom hole assembly on thegrid186.

The pipe utilization and identification program also includes astring report function224. Thestring report function224 generates a report to screen or printer of allpieces14 currently being used in a drill string. Included in the report can be all of the information set forth in thegrid186.

Arental function226 is also included in the pipe utilization and identification program. Therental function226 is utilized when aparticular piece14 of oilfield equipment is rented from another company. Therental function226 may include fields for historical or descriptive data, such as item description, owner, serial number, optional rotating hours, optional non-rotating hours, and required shoulder-to-shoulder length, for example. The records in therental function226 can be saved to a file, retrieved from a file, removed from a file, and/or added to thegrid186 via various buttons on thescreen182.

Thus, it can be seen that when theidentifier assemblies12 on thepieces14 of oilfield equipment, such as a joint of pipe, drill collar, heavyweight drill pipe or the like, is scanned via thereader152 on therig floor151, data regarding thatparticular piece14 is obtained from the historical database by thecentral computer32 and displayed in thegrid186 on thescreen182. As eachpiece14 of the drill string is added to the drill string for drilling, an indication of each such component is displayed in succession on themonitor184 in thegrid186, exactly as such piece is being used in the drill string to give an indication of the piece's location in the drill string.

Therefore, it can be seen that displayed in thegrid186 is identification information such as identification code, serial number, description, length, cumulative rotating hours, cumulative non-rotating hours, total footage, stand number and stand placement regarding thespecific pieces14 being used.

Various functions are also provided to allow the user to review data on eachindividual piece14 in thegrid186 by selectingsuch piece14 by double-clicking on it, for example. Various current data can be reviewed for eachpiece14, such as inspections, repairs, logistics, purchasing, applications and spare parts, if required, as indicated by thefunctions228,230 and232.

In addition, thecentral computer32 automatically and continuously monitors thesignal path172 so as to determine whether thedrilling device178 is in the rotating condition or the non-rotating condition. If the signal received by thecentral computer32 on thesignal path172 indicates that one or more of thepieces14 in the drill string are rotating, the pipe utilization and identification program included in the oilfield equipment database automatically and continuously updates the information in therotating hour column200 for each of thepieces14 in thegrid18 that are rotating, and the information in thenon-rotating hour column202 for each of thepieces14 that are not rotating so as to monitor the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage for eachpiece14 in thegrid186. If the signal received by thecentral computer32 on thesignal path172 from theinterface unit170 indicates that all of thepieces14 of oilfield equipment in the drill string are in the non-rotating condition, the pipe utilization and identification program included in the oilfield equipment database automatically updates the information in thenon-rotating hour column202 for each of thepieces14 in thegrid186, so as to monitor the cumulative non-rotating usage for eachpiece14 in thegrid186.

In one embodiment, the pipe utilization and identification program may update either therotating hour column200 or thenon-rotating hour column202 at least ten times per minute. This allows real time storage of rotating hours for eachpiece14 being used in the drill string. Real time reports can be generated from the pipe utilization and identification program at any time by actuating thestring report function224 so that rig personnel can monitor the usage of eachpiece14 in the drill string and take appropriate corrective action before a costly unexpected event occurs. Furthermore, the loading of the historical information and the automatic and continuous updating of the information in therotating hour column200 and thenon-rotating hour column202 provides an accurate record of the historical or cumulative rotating and non-rotating hours of eachpiece14, thereby substantially reducing the number of costly inspections needed for determining the level of fatigue of eachpiece14.

Referring now toFIG. 13, shown therein is aprior art apparatus250 for turning thepiece14 of oilfield equipment (in this case a piece of oilfield pipe) to connect apin connection252 of thepiece14 to abox connection254 of an adjacently disposedpiece14 in a well-known manner. Theapparatus250 can be, for example but not by way of limitation, a Model MH 1178 hydraulically operated ROUGHNECK obtainable from Maritime Hydraulics.

Theapparatus250 is supported onwheels256 which engage tracks (not shown) positioned on therig floor151 for moving theapparatus250 towards and away from the well bore. Formed on an upper end of theapparatus250 is a pipe spinner assembly258 (or rotating device) for selectively engaging and turning thepiece14 to connect thepin connection252 to thebox connection254. A funnel-shapedmudguard260 can be disposed below thepipe spinner assembly258. Themudguard260 defines amudguard bore262, which is sized and adapted so as to receive thepiece14 of oilfield equipment therethrough. It should be noted that in some embodiments, theapparatus250 is not provided with themudguard260. Theapparatus250 also includes a torque assembly ortorque wrench263 which (in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 13) is disposed below thepipe spinner assembly258.

In accordance with the present invention, anopening264 is formed through the mudguard260 (when themudguard260 is present on the apparatus250) such that theopening264 communicates with the mudguard bore262. In one embodiment, the oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus150 includes a fixedmount reader266 for automating the reading of theidentifier assemblies12, rather than the hand-heldwand156. The fixedmount reader266 constructed in accordance with the present invention is mounted onto aflange268. Theflange268 is located on theapparatus250 and extends substantially adjacent to thepiece14 of oilfield equipment when thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is being spun by thepipe spinner assembly258. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 13, theflange268 is located substantially adjacent to theopening264 so as to position the fixedmount reader266 through theopening264 whereby the fixedmount reader266 is located adjacent to thepiece14 of oilfield equipment when thepiece14 of oilfield equipment is being spun by thepipe spinner assembly258. In general, the fixedmount reader266 can be located on theapparatus250 below thepipe spinner assembly258 and above the torque assembly ortorque wrench263.

As best shown inFIGS. 14-16, a pipe-engagingportion272 of the fixedmount reader266 extends through theopening264 into the mudguard bore262 whereby the pipe-engagingportion272 is positioned to engage thepiece14 of oilfield equipment when thepiece14 is disposed within themudguard260. Thus, the pipe-engagingportion272 has access to theidentification assemblies12, which are disposed on or near the pin connection of therespective pieces14 during the operation of theapparatus250. When the fixedmount reader266 is mounted on theapparatus250, it is possible for the fixedmount reader266 to read the identification tags38 (not shown inFIGS. 14-16) within theidentifier assemblies12 without any manual intervention, thus making the reading of theidentification assemblies12 more reliable and safe.

When theapparatus250 comes into contact with the piece14 (to either spin it into position or torque it to specification), thepipe engaging portion272 of the fixedmount reader266 on theapparatus250 also comes into contact with thepiece14. As thepiece14 is spun into place, the fixedmount reader266 reads theidentification tag38 located in theidentifier assembly12, and transmits the unique identification code stored in theidentification tag38 to theelectronics conversion package162 via asignal path274, whereby the signal including the unique identification code is ultimately transmitted to thecentral computer32 via thesignal paths168,172 and173, and theprofibuss166 and theinterface unit170 as shown inFIG. 11.

One embodiment of the fixedmount reader266 will now be described in more detail. The fixedmount reader266 includes ahousing280. Thehousing280 is adapted to be connected to the flange268 (as best shown inFIG. 16) via any suitable connector assembly, such as a plurality ofbolts281 which are disposed throughcorresponding openings282 formed through thehousing280.

As best shown inFIG. 16, thehousing280 is provided with afirst end284, asecond end286, anupper end288, and alower end290. Anantenna receiving opening292 is formed through thesecond end286 of thehousing280 and extends a distance therefrom towards thefirst end284. Theantenna receiving opening292 is sized and adapted to receive an antenna294 (which may have a rectangular cross-section) therethrough such that theantenna294 can be slidably movable in theantenna receiving opening292 generally toward thepiece14 and away from thepiece14.

Theantenna294 reads the unique identification code stored in theidentification tag38 provided in the identifier assemblies12 (which are mounted on thepieces14 as discussed above), and transmits the unique identification code stored in theidentification tag38 to theelectronics conversion package162 via thesignal path274, whereby the signal including the unique identification code is ultimately transmitted to thecentral computer32 via thesignal paths168,172 and173, and theprofibuss166 and theinterface unit170. When theidentification tag38 is provided with the passive circuit (as discussed hereinbefore), theantenna294 is tuned to read the unique identification code stored in theidentification tag38.

Thehousing280 of the fixedmount reader266 supports thepipe engaging portion272 such that thepipe engaging portion272 extends a distance past thesecond end286 of thehousing280. Thepipe engaging portion272 is provided with arod296 which is disposed in acorresponding opening298 formed in thehousing280. Therod296 is sized and dimensioned to be slidably movable in theopening298 such that thepipe engaging portion272 is movable generally away from and towards thesecond end286 of thehousing280 and is thereby movable away from and towards thepiece14.

Abias assembly300 is disposed in theopening298 and supported by thehousing280. Thebias assembly300 engages thehousing280 and therod296 so as to bias therod296 in adirection302 generally towards thepiece14. Thus, thebias assembly300 maintains thepipe engaging portion272 securely engaged with thepiece14 as theapparatus250 is spinning or torquing thepiece14 into its proper position. Furthermore, thebias assembly300 absorbs any impact from thepiece14 with theapparatus250 when thepiece14 is moved against thepipe engaging portion272. In one embodiment, thebias assembly300 can be a spring.

As best shown inFIG. 16, thepipe engaging portion272 of the fixed mount reader includes ahousing304. Thehousing304 is connected to therod296 and is thereby supported by therod296.

Thehousing304 of thepipe engaging portion272 is provided with anantenna receiving opening306, which is aligned with theantenna receiving opening292 formed in thehousing280 of the fixedmount reader266. Theantenna294 extends into theantenna receiving opening306 and is secured to thehousing304 via any suitable connector assembly, such as bolts.

Thehousing304 of thepipe engaging portion272 includes afirst side308, asecond side310, anupper end312 and alower end314. Thepipe engaging portion272 includes a pair of fixedroller assemblies316, and a pair of movable roller assemblies317 for maintaining theantenna294 at a preselected distance from thepiece14 while theantenna294 is reading the identification tags38 mounted on thepiece14.

The fixedroller assemblies316 include a roller mount318 and a roller320. For purposes of clarity, the fixedroller assemblies316, the movable roller assemblies317, the roller mounts318 and the rollers320 are designated inFIGS. 14-16 with the same numeral prefix, i.e., “316”, “317”, “318” and “320”, but with different alphabetic suffixes “a” and “b.” Theroller mount318aof the fixedroller assembly316ais connected to theupper end312 of thehousing304 such that at least a portion of theroller320aextends past thehousing304 to engage thepiece14. Theroller mount318bof the fixedroller assembly316bis connected to thelower end314 of thehousing304 such that at least a portion of theroller320bextends past thehousing304 to engage thepiece14.

Each of themovable roller assemblies317aand317bincludes a leg324, a roller326 and a bias assembly328. The leg324 includes a first end330 and a second end332. The bias assembly328 is mounted on the first end330 of the leg324, and the roller326 is mounted on the second end332 of the leg324.

Themovable roller assembly317ais pivotally connected to thefirst side308 of thehousing304 such that theroller326aextends past thehousing304 to engage thepiece14, and thebias assembly328aengages thehousing304 to force theroller326aagainst thepiece14 thereby maintaining theroller326asecurely engaged with thepiece14 during reading of theidentification tag38. Themovable roller assembly317bis pivotally connected to thesecond side310 of thehousing304 such that theroller326bextends past thehousing304 to engage thepiece14, and the bias assembly328bengages thehousing304 to force theroller326bagainst thepiece14 thereby maintaining theroller326bsecurely engaged with thepiece14 during reading of theidentification tag38.

Changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention described herein, or in the parts or the elements of the embodiments described herein, or in the steps or sequence of steps of the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (4)

1. In combination, an identifier assembly mounted onto a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular, the identifier assembly comprising:

a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein; and

means for mounting the radio-frequency-identification tag to the tubular such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

2. In combination, an identifier assembly mounted onto a tubular of a drill string to uniquely identify the tubular, the identifier assembly comprising:

a first member; and

a second member connected to the first member so as to grip an exterior surface of the tubular; and

a radio-frequency-identification tag having a unique identification code stored therein, the radio-frequency-identification tag being supported by the first and second members such that the radio-frequency-identification tag is disposed outside of an arcuate external perimeter of the tubular.

3. The identifier assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the second member includes a layer of resilient material supported on a frame member.

4. The identifier assembly ofclaim 3, wherein a slot is formed in the layer of resilient material of the second member, the identification tag being disposed in the slot.

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